Posted on: October 2, 2023, 06:47h.
Last updated on: October 2, 2023, 06:47h.
Brazil’s sports betting industry is making significant progress despite opposition. The NFL may have taken notice and is considering expanding its reach to Brazil and Spain. Get the latest updates here.
The NFL has ambitions to take American football global. Despite strict betting regulations, the league is exploring the possibility of introducing the sport to new regions. Brazil and Spain are under consideration for future live NFL games.
While Mexico has been a regular NFL destination, the country’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup have posed challenges for scheduling games. The UK, Germany, and now Spain are emerging as potential host countries for NFL games.
Expanding The Playing Field
The NBA and MLB already have a strong global following and the NFL is looking to catch up. South America, particularly Brazil, offers unlimited possibilities for the league’s expansion plans. Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are among the cities being considered as hosts for live NFL games.
“There’s a lot of interest in the NFL. I mean, we saw it. We did a Super Bowl viewing party last year down in Brazil, and it was packed and the energy is there”, NFL executive VP Peter O’Reilly told ESPN.
Spain also shows potential as a future host for NFL games. Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium are being considered as possible venues.
The NFL is aiming to make these expansions happen soon. The league has conducted fact-finding trips to Brazil and Spain and is considering establishing teams in both countries as early as next year.
Global Ambitions
With the goal of enhancing its global reputation, the NFL has added 17 additional matches to its schedule. This move aims to streamline international trips and increase advertising earnings.
As part of this venture, the NFL has organized three games in London this season, in addition to two games in Germany. The league recently held its first game at Wembley Stadium, where the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Atlanta Falcons.
Jacksonville will stay in London for its second game, facing the Buffalo Bills at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Week 5 as +180 underdogs.
Other upcoming international games include the Baltimore Ravens vs. the Tennessee Titans at Tottenham on October 15, and the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Miami Dolphins at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany in Week 9. The New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts will then wrap up the NFL’s international leg at Deutsche Bank Park in Week 10.
As the NFL expands globally, it aims to address the challenges faced by European fans due to time zone differences.